Thank you for your interest in the Houston SPCA Volunteer Program. The Houston SPCA has hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time to make a difference in the lives of our shelter animals and our community. Without these caring individuals, we could not continue our mission to promote the commitment to and respect for all animals and free them from suffering, abuse, and exploitation.

Dog Walking Volunteer Opportunity:

Responsibilities:

• Walk dogs to provide them with exercise and fresh air.
• Ensure dogs have adequate bathroom breaks.
• Monitor the behavior and health of the dogs during walks, reporting any concerns to staff.
• Socialize and interact with dogs to help reduce stress and improve their adoptability.
• Maintain safety protocols, including proper leash handling and cleaning up after the dogs.

Requirements:

• Comfortable handling dogs of various sizes and temperaments.
• Physically able to walk and control active dogs.
• Follow all campus guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of the animals, staff, and volunteers.

Training:

• New volunteers will receive training on dog handling, leash techniques, and safety protocols.
• Volunteers will initially shadow experienced dog walkers to learn the ropes.

Benefits:

• Make a positive impact on the lives of our dogs on campus.
• Gain experience working with dogs of different breeds and behaviors.
• Contribute to the overall mission of the Houston SPCA.
• Enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of spending time with animals.

If you are passionate about dogs and want to make a difference, please consider becoming a dog-walking volunteer at the Houston SPCA. Visit our website to register athttps://houstonspca.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

Further details outlining these opportunities will be provided at the training session.Is it possible to volunteer for only a couple of months/just during the summer? Yes

Requirements to become a volunteer:

• All potential volunteers must be at least 16 years old at the time of application
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 for adults or $25 for youth (16-17 years old)
• All applicants 18 and up must complete a background screening
• Must have consistent access to the internet and email
• Must have the willingness to complete all necessary tasks within a specified volunteer area
• Must be able to work well with others, as all volunteer positions work directly with staff, volunteers, and the public.Dog walking volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and happiness of the dogs at our campus. By providing regular exercise, socialization, and bathroom breaks, volunteers help keep our dogs healthy and ready for adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer court-appointed community service opportunities? At this time, the Houston SPCA does not fulfill court-appointed community service hours.

If my child is under 16, can they volunteer at the Houston SPCA if I accompany him/her? Because of the type of work our volunteers do for us, we do require each volunteer to be at least 16 years of age at the time of application. We do however offer a spring, winter and summer camp for young people ages 8-14 years old, and a Critter Camp Crew counselor program for kids age 15 and older. We also have service projects available for individuals or scout groups.

Can I be a volunteer if I have a criminal record? Everyone is encouraged to apply. Your candidacy may be declined depending on the offense. These will be discussed on a case-by-case basis once the results of your application and background screening have been received.

I prefer to fill out a paper application. Can I come to the shelter to do so? No, we do not offer paper applications. All of our applications mustbe completed online.

If I do not currently have a credit/debit card, can I pay the application fee in person with another payment method? All application fees must be completed online using a credit/debit card.

How to get started volunteering at the Houston SPCA